The Wales coach has named a team with nine changes from the starting XV that took the field against the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
And he is eager to see his fringe players grab their opportunity as he strives to develop strength in depth in the Welsh squad.
“It was important to give players an opportunity but also keep the team as strong as possible,” said Gatland.
“We’re happy with the competition, we’re developing some depth. It’s a good chance for players to push themselves and make a claim for the All Blacks and then into the Six Nations and World Cup.
“It’s a big game for Dan Biggar at ten. It’s about the next step up and controlling the game. He missed out a lot last week and today was his first day back training.
“You have to remember he is still a very young player. At times he has had criticism but the best way to learn is by going out there and playing and learning from your mistakes.
“But he is a player who works particularly hard at his game, possibly a bit too much at times like you hear about Jonny Wilkinson.
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“It’s another chance for his to start in a Test match and i’m looking forward to seeing the combination with Richie Rees.
“Toby Faletau is another exciting player. He’s trained exceptionally well and really put it in. He’s only a youngster and it’s a great opportunity for him to come off the bench and make a big impact.
“He has been incredible for the Newport Gwent Dragons. He’s very exciting but still a youngster with a lot of learning and developing to do.”
One youngster that has already grabbed his opportunity with both hands is George North. The 18-year-old wing made his debut against South Africa and capped it with two tries.
He could have been rested ahead of the clash with New Zealand in a week’s time but Gatland has handed the Scarlets wing another chance to shine.
“George North has been incredibly level headed. I’ve spoken to him about how impressed we were and he said he learnt more in 10 minutes on Saturday than in his whole rugby career.
“He’s someone who will be special for the future. We’ve given him a couple of days off so he’s fresh and thought about leaving him out but for his confidence it’s important that he gets a win in his first few games.
“He will be an important asset for Welsh rugby. We have a little bit of depth there now.”
Wales have not played Fiji since they left Nantes heartbroken after losing to the South Sea Islanders in the winner-takes-all final pool match of the 2007 World Cup.
With the two sides ironically set to meet each other again in the final encounter of the pool stages of the 2011 World Cup, Gatland is keen to make a statement.
“We’ve spoke about the last time against Fiji and that is a huge motivation factor. They are also in our pool at the World Cup so we want to go out there and put in a good display and performance but most importantly win.
“They’re a talented team with a lot of attacking ability. A lot of their players are playing top level rugby in Europe which gives them the strength and confidence.
“We know what a threat they are. It’s going to be a big test to contain their danger and flair. They have a strong set-piece and we will have to be physical against them because they will be physical against us.”
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